Rim of the Pit

A remote New England lodge becomes the site of supernatural intrigue when a group gathers for a séance in the dead of winter. The medium aims to contact her deceased first husband to gain permission for her new spouse to log a tract of land. Strange events begin to unfold after the séance, including a possession, mysterious footprints in the snow, and what appears to be impossible murder. Rogan Kincaid, an adventurer, takes on the investigation alongside a small group of allies before authorities can arrive at the isolated location. The story incorporates elements of both detective fiction and folk horror, particularly drawing on the legend of the Windigo from Native American mythology. The novel represents a high point of the locked-room mystery genre, ranking second in a notable poll of mystery writers and critics. This blending of rational detective work with seemingly supernatural occurrences creates tension between logical explanation and paranormal possibility, challenging readers' assumptions about the nature of reality and truth.

Readers describe this as a classic locked-room mystery with supernatural elements and impossible crimes. The book maintains a tense atmosphere throughout, with multiple seemingly supernatural events building suspense. Liked: - Complex puzzle plot with satisfying logical explanations - Creepy winter wilderness setting - Strong opening chapters and memorable scenes - Clear homage to John Dickson Carr's style - Solutions that don't disappoint Disliked: - Some find the large cast hard to track - Middle section pacing slows - Romance subplot feels forced - Final explanation requires lengthy exposition - Characters lack depth Ratings: Goodreads: 3.87/5 (394 ratings) LibraryThing: 3.89/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (41 ratings) Reader quote: "The atmosphere is pitch perfect - an isolated cabin in snowy woods, séances gone wrong, mysterious footprints in the snow. But the characters feel like pieces being moved around rather than real people." - Goodreads reviewer

The Three Coffins by John Dickson Carr The story centers on a locked-room murder during a snowy night in London, with elements of the supernatural that resolve into a rational solution.

Death from a Top Hat by Clayton Rawson A magician-detective investigates murders among New York's occult practitioners while exposing seemingly impossible crimes.

Hag's Nook by John Dickson Carr The tale combines an ancient family curse, a death in a witch's tower, and an impossible crime at a prison ruins.

The Red Right Hand by Joel Townsley Rogers The narrative follows a series of deaths in rural New England with demonic undertones and inexplicable footprints in the snow.

Ghost of the Hardy Boys by Leslie McFarlane A murder at an isolated Canadian lodge presents impossible tracks in the snow and a mounting body count with apparent supernatural causes.

🔍 "Hake Talbot" was actually the pen name of Henning Nelms, who was a professional magician and wrote influential books on stage magic. 📚 The book was published in 1944 and was only Talbot's second novel, following "The Hangman's Handyman" (1942). ❄️ The novel was heavily influenced by the works of John Dickson Carr, who was known as the master of the "locked room mystery" genre. 🎭 The author's background in stage magic significantly influenced his writing, particularly in crafting seemingly impossible scenarios that ultimately have logical explanations. 🏆 "Rim of the Pit" was ranked #2 on Edward D. Hoch's 1981 list of "All-Time Best Locked Room Mysteries," second only to John Dickson Carr's "The Hollow Man."